Assistant City Solicitor

City of Cambridge, MA • Cambridge, MA

364d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Law Department is responsible for providing legal representation and advice to the City and its officials in numerous areas of law, including but not limited to: zoning, environmental, employment, civil rights, contracts, tax, real estate, and torts involving personal injury and property damage claims. Members of the legal staff also regularly attend and provide advice at meetings of the City Council and sub-committees thereof and to City boards and commissions. In addition to drafting ordinances and other legal documents, numerous verbal and written opinions are rendered to the City Manager, Mayor, City Council, and Department Heads. The department strives to help the City Manager, City Council, City departments, and City boards/commissions/committees achieve their goals within the parameters of the law.

Requirements

• Juris doctor degree from an accredited law school required.
• Must be a member of the Massachusetts Bar, admitted to practice before Massachusetts state and federal courts.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts and federal law required.
• A minimum of three years' experience practicing law required.
• Experience in civil litigation and preparation and trial of cases.
• Strong legal research, oral communication, and legal writing skills.
• Ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in municipal law and in employment/labor, zoning, real estate, construction, contracts, personal injury, civil rights and/or environmental law are highly desirable.
• Experience with the Massachusetts Public Records Law, Open Meeting Law and Conflict of Interest Law.
• Experience representing municipal elected and appointed officials, employees, committees, commissions and boards.
• Experience with case management, document management and e-discovery software, and any other software used in the legal field.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute and defend suits in which the City is a party in state and federal courts and administrative agencies.
• Handle transactional matters in which the City is involved.
• Provide representation and advice to the City Manager, City Council, department heads and other City officials on a broad variety of legal issues, rights, obligations and practices under applicable federal, state and local laws, and exercise sound judgment in making decisions and rendering advice regarding the City's legal affairs.
• Draft advisory opinions to the City Manager, City Council, School Committee, department heads, and boards/commissions/committees.
• Draft legislation and a wide range of legal instruments.
• Perform work as required and at the direction of the City Solicitor, Deputy City Solicitor and First Assistant City Solicitor.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees